SEMA Automotive Hobby Lobbyists - Behind The Wheel

Whether or not you realize it, there's an organization out there whose focus is protecting our rights as classic auto/truck buffs. That's right, a large contingent of dedicated folks spend a huge amount of time sticking up for our hobby in legislative halls all over the country. Who are these people, and why do they do what they do you ask? Well they're part of an organization called SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), and they do it because they're enthusiasts, just like us.

And, just like us, a love for cars and trucks is the motivating force behind their efforts. The association is made up of a diverse group consisting of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, publishing companies, truck/auto restorers, street rod builders, restylers, car and truck clubs, race teams, and more.

Today, the nearly 40-year-old organization performs many services for its members and for the hobby as a whole. Perhaps most importantly, SEMA works hard to protect consumers' rights to build and drive accessorized, customized, and vintage cars and trucks. SEMA keeps close tabs on legislators in Washington, DC, and also in each state so SEMA members and anyone who loves cars and trucks can protest pending legislation that might harm our hobby, as well as endorse legislation that's good for automotive enthusiasts.

One of the things I find extremely beneficial (though everything the association does is a benefit to all) is the effort they expend to combat ridiculous legislation that endangers our beloved hobby. Below is a perfect example of both stupid legislation, and the way that SEMA tries to get the word out to its membership. I strongly suggest that if you have access to the internet checkout the SEMA Website at www.sema.org or at www.enjoytheride.com, you'll find it enlightening as well as entertaining.

While you're there, be sure to check out the SEMA Action Network (SAN). It's a nationwide partnership between vehicle clubs, individual enthusiasts, and the specialty auto parts industry designed to help stamp out legislative threats to the automotive hobby and pass favorable laws. The SAN is a "grapevine" for sharing information and linking hobbyists. It is also a great opportunity for individual enthusiasts and car clubs to receive timely updates of legislative and regulatory developments. Here's a perfect example:

A bill (S.B. 631) has been introduced in the Michigan legislature that would prohibit hobbyists from storing damaged vehicles on private property. Under the bill, if a hobbyist fails to comply with a court order to remove the vehicle(s), he or she can be fined up to $1000 and sentenced to six months in jail!

We Urge You to Contact Your State Legislators to Oppose This Bill

* S.B. 631 deems a damaged vehicle to be "litter" for the purpose of removal, regardless of whether or not the vehicle is out of public view.

* S.B. 631 includes any motor vehicle that is "damaged, deteriorated, or in a condition such that the item cannot be used for the purpose for which the item was manufactured."

* S.B. 631 would permit citizens, as well as government officials, to seek a court order to compel hobbyists to remove project vehicles from their own property.

* S.B. 631 would make it difficult for hobbyists to work on collector vehicles on private property.

* S.B. 631 demonstrates a lack of understanding of the vehicle hobby and the rights of hobbyists.

Contact your state legislators and oppose this legislation. This bill tramples on the rights of vehicle enthusiasts in Michigan. If you need assistance in determining who your legislators are, please contact the Michigan Legislature's General Information line: (517) 373-0170. This information can also be obtained by calling the SEMA Washington, D.C. office at (202) 783-6007 or via the Internet at http://www.enjoythedrive.com/legislative/ contact_legislator.asp.